The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Car rear end in AD truck

I read in one of the tech tips about installing a PowerGlide car rear end (3.55:1) in '46 and older trucks, using the car's torque tube, etc. I was wondering if anybody knows if that swap will work for AD trucks. I found a PowerGlide equipped '54 Chevy 210 for a reasonable price, and would like to make that swap if it works with minimal fabrication and headaches). TIA.

My dad had a 49 1/2 ton when I was a kid that someone did a butcher job of installing a car rear end under. The car axle was too narrow, so the body would rub when the rear end bounced. Maybe you can find something that is the right width and make it work, but the clown that did this job sure didn't. I suspect there will be others to tell you what you need.

There were some s-10 blazers made (85-87 comes to mind) that I'm told were pretty easy installs.

Good Luck!

You more than likely will need to relocate the spring perches on any rear end you retrofit to your truck. So look for a gm rear end (5 or 6 bolt, whatever you prefer) that is between 61 and 62 inches wide from flange to flange. I installed a 12 bolt out of a 65 1/2 ton (6 lug)in my 49. Fits great. I did a 54 with a 84 trans am rear that had disc brakes on it. That also worked good. It even had a sway bar on it. Good luck.

I have made this swap on my 37 pickup. I used a 54 car Powerglide rear axle. It fits great and I've been running it for about 15 years.
It was some work, but well worth it. It will still be a torque tube enclosed drive line.
I wrote an article about the swap and can send it to you if you'd like. Drop me a note and let me know.

6cylindersovertexas-
I would like to hear more about your swap. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do. Basically what I want is the 3.55 rear end, and keep the torque tube. I just don't want to get into a bunch of fabricating things. I may just go with the ring and pinion set from Patricks. It looks like there would be fewer headaches. I did find a dandy looking '54 2 door with PowerGlide for sale locally (Cheap!!)...

There was a technnical article about this on Jim Carter's website a few years ago (it does not seem to be there any more). As I recall, the article stated that the 50-54 Chevy automobile/automatic (Powerglide) torque-tube rear-end (3.55) fit OK under the truck chassis (as far as width and length went - I do not recall the modications needed for spring mounts).

Also, I dimly recall that it was possible to substitute earlier (1948/1949)6-lug Chevy automobile rear axles into the later automobile 3.55 torque-tubes (that must have had 5-lug axles).

Please forgive my posting the above information - it is almost useless because I have no first-hand knowledge AND my memories have always been questionable.

Tim

I have a copy of an article I wrote on disk that I think I can email to you if you would like. I need your email address.
When I did this change out, it was under the supervision of a retired Service Manager of one of the oldest Chevrolet dealerships in the Dallas/Fort Worth area (Arlington). He told me that it was what they did all the time for people who used their trucks on the road.
I am thinking of pulling the rear end out of my truck and, if so, it would be for sale.
The hardest part of the swap is shortening the torque tube and propeller shaft in side the tube. The rest is fairly easy.
Any sheet metal or accessories available on that 54 car you found?

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I haven't actually looked at the car, just the picture included with the ad. From what I can see, it's all there, including trim. It looks like a good restoration project.
The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning toward getting the gear set and installation kit for my rear end. That way when I'm done, the rear end is new. But, I change my mind more than my underwear. :p